To help you remember why you bought an Xbox 360 in the wake of the Wii and PS3 launches this month, Microsoft is preparing to unveil a revamped 360 Marketplace experience. The new marketplace will feature downloadable TV shows and high-definition movies. The video above should give you some idea of what to expect for your hard-earned Microsoft points. – Karson Thompson
Xbox 360 Marketplace Update [Via TechEBlog]

A lot of you guys have been wondering how "intuitive" the Wiimote really is. Some are a bit iffy about it because it's going to be a completely new experience to play a video game using a motion-sensing controller. Good thing the big guys up at Nintendo have come up with a perfect game to give you a crash course on the basics of the Wiimote.

Wii Play is a combination of nine casual games, all design to be the "pick up and play" type, that teaches you the 411 on how to use your "happy stick". And actually, there's even going to be a Wiimote Wii Play bundle, just to make sure that when you get your Wiimote, you'll have to go through the basics in Wii Play.

We've already given you the low-down on these nine games, but today, we have more screenshots for you! The one above is Find Mii, while below, from left to right, you have Table Tennis, Charge, Shooting, Tanks, Pose Mii, Hockey, Billiards, and Fishing. Just by looking at the pics, you'd already know how the min...

In the words of Robin Williams from that 1987 movie: "Goooooood morning, Vietnam!" Of course, instead of "Vietnam", we'd replace it with "Virtual Console", because indeed it is a good morning for Wii-watchers (and listeners) out there.

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has released a list of games that they've recently rated, approved, and, ultimately, confirmed for the Wii Virtual Console.

Some of these titles have already been mentioned before, but here's some pretty solid evidence (hey, the ESRB is that reliable) to confirm that they're moving over to the Wii. All of these games have been rated "E for Everyone".

Here's the line-up:
Pilot WingsKid IcarusKirby's AdventureDuck HuntHogan's AlleyWild Gunman
Punch-OutPro WrestlingFor the old- and new-timers out there, get ready for a blast from the past. Some of you can probably remember spending hours on end playing these games in the consoles of yore. Or if you had missed on these classics befor...

Filed under: Fan stuff
We here at Wii Fanboy understand your pain. You've seen the videos. You've been to the Fusion Tour or down to the local GameStop, and you've caressed the Wiimote with your own sweaty, loving hands. And now you're forced to suffer, waiting for eleven more painful, heart-wrenching days to get your hands on your very own Wii. The smooth white plastic of the Wiimote slides silkily through your dreams. That haunting blue glow shines whenever you close your eyes. We know, because we're also suffering.

And one Ninty fan said, enough! I shall make my very own Wiimote, and then I shall fondle it in front of a camera and put it on YouTube! And here it is, right after the jump.


Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Regardless of whether you're a gamer or not, as long as you're American and weren't deprived of a happy childhood (hahaha), we're guessing you've probably heard of Mr. Nolan Bushnell.

No? Oh c'mon! Mr. Chuck E. Cheese? Still doesn't ring a bell? Oh alright then, Nolan Bushnell is not only the founder of gaming icon Atari, he's also responsible for the wonder that is Chuck E. Cheese, the restaurant chain that first brought together kids, food, pizza, and video games.

Red Herring was able to score an interview with this video game and consumer electronics association hall of famer (he's a founder of more than twenty companies), where Bushnell talks about his new business venture that once again brings food and gaming together, the uWink.

In that particular interview, Bushnell was asked about his thoughts on current gaming systems, he IS (or WAS) a major player in the gaming industry after all.

Red Herring asked Bushnell which areas of the game industry...

Filed under: Fan stuff
And when we say loads, we mean it. There's nothing like a Ninty fan armed with a camera -- nothing is sacred, not even the gray screen of Wiimote death, which reader Thrillho captured in the wild at the launch of the Wiiosks at the Nintendo World Store in New York. He put up a whopping 25 minutes of footage, grabbing gamers first moments with the Wii and an array of games. Check after the jump for all the video goodness ... bring some snacks, 'cause you'll be there a while.







[Thanks, Thrillho!]Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: News

Joystiq has managed to confirm with Wal-Mart corporate that a midnight Wii launch is definitely happening and much of what Joystiq previously reported was true. Corporate says they are not currently accepting online pre-orders due to the demand for the console. So, we suggest you show up as early as you can to your Wal-Mart and get a ticket Saturday night at 10pm.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NOA’s exuberant COO, Reggie Fils-Aime, has shot down rumours of a ’secret announcement’ regarding the firms next-gen console, the Wii. The news comes during a recent interview with CNET, which can be viewed here. With Nintendo revealing full details on the console back in September, it was always highly unlikely that anything else would be revealed so [...]

Filed under: News
Turns out, the BBC is very interested in the launch of the Wii in America. So interested that they're looking for people, just like you, who can document their experience for them. Particularly interested in household opinions that have never owned a console before the Wii, there is still plenty of things hardcore and casual gamers can offer. So, after submitting a 150 word piece about why gaming is important to you and why you're getting a Wii, you could have a shot at writing for the BBC.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

We really don't have to discuss the magazine Popular Science. Being founded in 1872, it certainly knows what it's talking about. The monthly magazine generally deals with Science and Technology subjects and during its more than 130 years of existence, it definitely has seen a lot.

So, it really meant something when they recently gave the grand award for their "Best of What's New" category to Nintendo Wii (Cheers! Applause!). The said magazine is all praises for Nintendo's baby, claiming that it has taken the right path in selecting revolutionary gameplay over modern technology for graphics.

That's the main point of Wii. It takes back people to the time when videogames were simple yet fun. Nintendo went on a totally different path, leaving the technological race to Sony and Microsoft. Did they make the right decision? Well, we will all see in coming weeks. For now, it's another win for Wii.